The Revolt of the Angels · Chapter
XXXIII explained
After a night of revelry, Maurice, Arcade, Zita, Prince Istar, and Théophile are confronted by Inspector Grolle.
What happens
After a night of revelry, Maurice, Arcade, Zita, Prince Istar, and Théophile are confronted by Inspector Grolle. A violent brawl erupts, resulting in the death of Inspector Grolle and injuries to several others. Prince Istar throws a bomb to cover their escape. Maurice and Arcade return to the flat, where Maurice expresses guilt and blames Arcade. The news of the crime spreads terror across Paris, leading to mass hysteria, arrests, and political crackdowns.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion and Revolution
The group's defiance of police authority and the violent clash symbolize a rebellion against societal order.
Human Nature and Folly
Maurice's casual remark about murder being 'the simplest, most natural action' reflects on human folly and moral decay.
Class and Hierarchy
Inspector Grolle's devotion to duty and the social solidarity of the bakers highlight class divisions and the maintenance of order.
Characters to notice
- Maurice d'Esparvieu
Fences left-handed with the Japanese angel, fires his revolver and kills Inspector Grolle, then expresses guilt and blames Arcade for leading him astray.
- Arcade
Discusses Thrones and Dominations with Zita, fights the bakers, and later debates with Maurice about the murder.
- Zita
Hesitates to ring the bell, discusses the great enterprise with Arcade, and stabs a baker during the fight.
- Prince Istar
Traces bomb mechanisms on the pavement, bellowing loudly, strikes Inspector Grolle, and throws a bomb to cover the escape.
- Théophile Belais
Sings the barcarole from Aline, Queen of Golconda, flees from the bakers, and is rescued by Arcade and Zita.
- Inspector Grolle
Dreams of his homeland, confronts the group, is struck by Prince Istar, and is shot dead by Maurice.
Key passages
“I used to think that a murder was something very extraordinary. Well, I was mistaken. It is the simplest, the most natural action in the world.”
Maurice reflects that killing feels ordinary and natural, contrary to his previous beliefs.
Maurice's moral desensitization after committing murder.
“Be silent, scoundrel! I killed the poor Inspector instinctively, not knowing what I was doing. I am grieved to my heart about it. But it is not I, it is you who are the guilty one; you who are the murderer.”
Maurice blames Arcade for leading him to violence, claiming his own act was instinctive and unintentional.
Maurice's guilt and deflection of responsibility onto Arcade.